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PAC Refers Pakistan Steel Mills Land Encroachment Case to NAB
Public Accounts Committee hands over Pakistan Steel Mills land encroachment case to NAB; seeks report in two months. PAC also demands immediate recovery of Rs 2.82 billion from NTDC.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-19
PAC Refers Pakistan Steel Mills Land Encroachment Case to NAB

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has referred the case of land encroachments on Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) plots in Gulshan-e-Hadeed to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), directing it to submit a report within two months.

The PAC meeting, chaired by Junaid Akbar, was briefed by audit officials that encroachments on Steel Mills land had resulted in outstanding dues of Rs 750 million.

Land Allotment Controversy

  • Sindh government initially allotted the land to the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
  • After objections, the land was reallocated to four individuals – three receiving 16 acres each, and one receiving six acres.
  • Senator Afnanullah Khan questioned why Pakistan Steel Mills had failed to prevent encroachments.
  • PSM CEO stated that a stay order had been obtained, but the PAC found this insufficient.

Committee Questions NAB’s Role

Chairman PAC remarked, "Did NAB ignore this issue, or has it been compromised by politicians?", leading to laughter in the meeting. The PAC emphasized the need for urgent action against land grabbers.

Review of Audit Reports: Budget Planning & Utility Stores Downsizing

The Ministry of Industries and Production faced criticism over poor budget planning, receiving two supplementary grants.

  • The ministry defended the grants, stating they were used for Ramadan relief at utility stores.
  • The PAC also took up the issue of downsizing at the Utility Stores Corporation, forming a sub-committee to investigate.

CEO Extension of Engineering Development Board Under Scrutiny

The extension of the CEO of the Engineering Development Board (EDB) raised concerns.

  • Committee members questioned why a retired official was still in office.
  • The Secretary of Industries and Production defended the decision, stating that board approval had been obtained.
  • The PAC deferred the matter and requested a detailed report.

Strong Criticism Over Delay in CSS Results

The committee also expressed frustration over the delay in CSS exam results.

  • FPSC officials stated that results for two CSS exams held in 2023 will be released next month.
  • Shortage of FPSC members was cited as a key issue.
  • PAC directed the Establishment Division to immediately fill the vacant seats in FPSC.

Demand for Immediate Recovery of Rs 2.82 Billion from NTDC

The PAC also reviewed dues of Rs 2.82 billion owed to PSM by NTDC for right-of-way access.

  • Audit officials stated that a board member had opposed allowing NTDC access without payment.
  • NTDC officials admitted that the project started without a formal agreement and requested a reduction in dues.
  • PAC demanded immediate recovery and action against officials guilty of negligence.

The committee directed all relevant institutions to submit detailed reports within a month and warned that further delays in accountability would not be tolerated.
Tagged:

NAB

NTDC

PAC

Accountability

PakistanSteelMills

LandEncroachment

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